Strand-handling equipment

ABSTRACT

Strand-traversing mechanism having a pair of oppositely traveling belts each with yarn-engaging guides for moving the yarn along a traversal path with effectively uniform controlled movement and transferring the yarn to an oppositely moving guide at reversal ends of the path. During transfer of the yarn from one guide to another, the portions of the belts on which the guides are mounted are directly supported on pulleys which steady the guides. Pulleys intermediate the traversal path further steady the guides and cause the guides to move to and fro across the strand of yarn for effectively preventing grooving of the guides. The traverse belts are preferably formed from timing belts having on one belt face teeth for direct positive drive by correspondingly notched pulleys and each yarn engaging guide is preferably connected to its belt by a clamp passing at least substantially entirely around the belt and replacing one of the teeth on the belt face.

m 1 1 1 I, 1,2 l 111 l ililfl Stes tell [1113 627315 1 1 Inventor HIMRk'mwr 3,393,880 7/1968 Keith et al. 242/45 W M- 3,491,962 1/1970Roberts 242/43 [21] 801,232 FOREIGN PATENTS [22] Filed Feb. 3, 1969 [45]Patented Dec. 14 119.71 972,440 8/1950 France 242/158 B [73] Assignee mmCommunion 1,422,593 11/1965 France 242/158 B Warwick, 1R.l. PrimaryExaminer-Stanley N. Gilreath Continuation-impart of application Ser. No.Anorneys-Albert P. Davis and Burnett W. Norton 724,875, Apr. 29, 1968,now abandoned. This application Feb. 3, 11969, Ser. No. 0 3 Y ABSTRACT:Strand-traversing mechanism having a pair of oppositely traveling beltseach with yarn-engaging guides for moving the yarn along a traversalpath with effectively uniform controlled movement and transferring theyarn to an [54] sTBANDHANDUNG EQUHPMIENT oppositely moving guide atreversal ends of the path. During 38 Claims. M Dmwmg m transfer of theyarn from one guide to another, the portions of the belts on which theguides are mounted are directly sup- [52] US. Cl. 2 42/43, ported 0npulleys which steady he guides p l i 242/153 B mediate the traversalpath further steady the guides and cause [51] lint. Cl. 136511 54/28 theguides to move to and f across the Strand f yam f f. [50] Field ofSearch 242/43, 43 f ti l preventing grooving f the guides h traversebelts 158 B are preferably formed from timing belts having on one beltface teeth for direct ositive drive by corres ondin ly notched [56]References Cited pulleys and each yarft engaging guide is pre ferablyconnected UNITED STATES PATENTS to its belt by a clamp passing at leastsubstantially entirely 2,238,128 4/1941 Nydegger 242/158 B X around thebelt and replacing one of the teeth on the belt face.

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NS H. [RICHTER ATTO R N EYS STRAND-HANDLING IEQIIJIIFMIENT The inventionrelates to strand traversing mechanism for winding apparatus and, moreparticularly, to a belt traverse, the present application being acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 724,875, filed Apr. 29,1968, now abandoned.

Throughout the specification and claims, the term "yarn" is employed inthe general sense to apply to all types of strandular material whethertextile or otherwise, and the term package" is used to designate theproduct of a winding machine, whatever its form.

As is more fully discussed in other Leesona Corporation U.S.applications of Hans l-I. Richter, Ser. No. 600,553, filed Dec. 9, 1966,and Ser. No. 601,471, filed Dec. 13, 1966, industrial demands for higherspeed precision winding machines require higher traversing speed of theyarn than can readily be obtained merely by speeding up presentprecision winding traverses. There are existing mechanisms for fonningprecision wound cylindrical packages, but they do not operate at asufficiently high speed to satisfy present demands. For example, thereis the reversible yarn guide mechanism, but inertia of the reversingguide limits the operating speed of the mechanism. The helical groovedtraversing roll, while not a precision winding device, producesdifficulties when operated much above its normal speed, primarily inthat the yarn jumps out of the reversing ends of the groove.

Still another known type of traversing mechanism is commonly called abelt traverse. Belt traverse mechanisms have not been industriallysuited for precision winding. These traverses use one or two belts whichcarry guides operating in opposite directions along the traversing pathof the yarn. Theoretically, they can overcome the difficultiesencountered with reversible yarn guide traverses and traverse rollssince there is no inertia factor with belt traverse guides because theseguides do not reverse direction while in contact with the yarn and thereare no groove problems as with a helically grooved traverse roll.

Difficulty has been encountered with belt traverses during transfer ofthe advancing strand of yarn from one guide to another guide moving inthe opposite direction. Such transfer presents different problems as thetraversing speed changes. For example when starting to wind a newpackage, the traversing speed is at its greatest and decreases as thediameter of the package increases. This is because a greater length ofyarn must be wound onto the package for each revolution of the packageas its diameter increases. Therefore, with the yarn traveling atconstant lineal speed, progressively lower traversing speed is requiredas the package diameter increases. As will be apparent later, differentproblems are en countered at these different speeds.

Another difficulty in the performance of belt traverses occurs becauseof even slight uncontrolled movement of the yarn guides, even minorvibration being an undesirable factor during transfer of the yarn. Whilethe inherent nature ofa belt traverse is such that vibration is slight,the transfer of the yarn between oppositely moving guides results inslight jolting and this may be reflected in vibration of the belts andguides. Also, momentum of the yarn as it is transferred from one guideto another causes the yarn to continue to move in its original directionafter it has been released from the delivering guide and an outwardbending of the yarn about the guide followed by springing when releasedfrom the guide is particularly troublesome. Additionally, the loss oftension at the moment of transfer may result in stitches, rollover,slippage or other erratic action of the yarn.

The invention, in brief, is directed to a belt traverse mechanism inwhich effectively uniform controlled movement of an advancing strand ofyarn is obtained at reversal end portions of its traversal path. Suchimproved functioning is obtained by careful control ofa combination ofcontributing factors. These factors include improved yarn guides, bettercontrol of the guides, restraining free traversing movement of the yarnby means of a friction member to reduce undesirable effects of inertiaof the yarn and springing back of the yarn during transfer at thereversal ends, and by maintaining the yarn constantly tensioned withinrelatively close limits during its transfer between oppositely movingguides at the reversal ends.

It is a primary object of this invention to provide a new and improvedtraversing mechanism.

Another object is to provide a new and improved belt traverse forprecision winding.

A further object is to provide a new and improved belt traversingmechanism capable of precision winding at higher speeds than haspreviously been industrially obtainable. A related object is provisionin such a mechanism for providing improved yam transfer betweenoppositely moving guides at reversal ends of the traverse path. Anotherrelated object is provision for providing effectively uniform controlledmovement of the guides. Still another related object is provision forretarding inertia and springing back effects in the advancing strand ofyarn during reversal, and for maintaining the yarn constantly tensionedduring reversal.

A still further object is an improved timing belt for traversing yarnhaving spaced driving teeth formed on one side of the belt and at leastone yarn engaging element substantially rigidly affixed thereto by meansof a clamp engaging opposite sides of the belt and replacing one of thedriving teeth.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the following description and the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. l is a schematic, and elevational view of a winding machineincluding an embodiment of the belt traverse mechanism of thisinvention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary schematic, front elevational diagram of aportion of the winding machine, with parts broken away and removed forclearer illustration;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, schematic front elevational view of the traversemechanism, with parts broken away and removed for clearer illustration;

FIG. 4 is a schematic top sectional view taken generally along the line4--4l in FIG. 3, with parts broken away and removed for clearerillustration;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, enlarged vertical sectional view as if takengenerally along the line 5-5 in FIG. 3 but with yarn guides in theposition shown in FIG. 9:,

FIGS. 6-9 are fragmentary, enlarged top views showing the yarn guidesduring transfer of the advancing strand of yarn from a delivering guideto a receiving guide and, more particularly, FIG. 6 is a sectional, viewtaken. generally along the line ti6 in FIG. 3, and FIGS. 7-9 areprogressive views of the guides changing position during transfer of theyarn;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view of a modifiedpreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. ll is a detail view of a portion of FIG. l0 taken in cross sectionthrough the guide in order to show the precise mode of attachment;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified arrangement formounting the yarn guide element on the timing belt, showing the beltfragment in engagement with a driving pulley;

FIG. 13 is a detailed plan view of the modification of FIG. ill; and

FIG. M is a detailed cross section view taken generally along the linelid-14 of FIG. l3.

As shown in FIG. ll of the drawings, a winding machine receives anadvancing strand of yarn if from a suitable source of supply (notshown). The strand moves in the direction of the arrows about a tensioncompensating guide 10 fixed on the free end of a compensator arm 12fixed to a pivoted shaft 13 from which the yarn passes through atraverse mechanism M to a yarn package P releasably held on a rotatingspindle 16 mounted on a pivoted arm 17 and urged against a roller bail1b.

Lineal speed of the advancing yarn Y is maintained constant bydecreasing the rotational speed of the package P as the diameter of thepackage increases and, more particularly, as

the compensator arm 12 moves with its pivot shaft 13 responsive toslight increase (or decrease) in yarn tension to decrease (or increase)the rotational speed of the package and maintain substantially constantspeed of the advancing strand of yarn and therefore substantiallyconstant yarn tension, as is well understood in that art.

As is more fully described in related Leesona Corporation patentapplications of J. V. Keith and Hans H. Richter, Ser. No. 537,526, filedMar. 25, I966, and Ser. No. 712,142, filed Mar. 1 l, 1968, when the yarnpasses through the tension-compensating guide it forms a U-shaped loop20 supported on a pressurized cushion of air. This cushion of air causesthe yarn loop 20 to move inwardly (dotted lines) and outwardly (phantomlines) within the guide to compensate for fluctuations in tensionresulting from variations in length primarily because of traversing ofthe yarn. With reference to FIG. 2, as the yarn is traversed betweenopposite reversal ends 22 of its traversal path 24 (FIGS. 2 and 4-9) thelength of the yarn varies from the tension-compensating guide to guides26 of the traverse mechanism 14. This length is greatest at the reversalends 22 and least at the midpoint 28 of the traversal path 24 and, butfor the guide 10, would result in minor fluctuations in yarn tension andlength causing the compensator arm 12 to pump up and down. Jumpingmovement of the arm would result in loss of control of tension in theadvancing strand were it not for the tension compensating guide 10 whichconstantly maintains tension by compensating for fluctuations in thelength of the yarn as it passes through the guides 26 of the traversemechanism 14.

The traverse mechanism 14 may be best seen in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 4. Abody or frame 30 of the traverse mechanism includes a lower member 32and an upper member 34 fixedly connected as by posts 36 adjacentopposite ends of these members. Flexible belt means, here illustrated inthe form of an upper timing belt 38 and lower timing belt 40, move (asindicated by the arrows in FIG. 3) in opposite directions on timing beltwheels or sprockets. The upper belt 38 passes about a receiving sprocket42 and then a larger intermediate sprocket 44 and a delivering sprocket46. then around a driven sprocket 48 and again over the intermediatesprocket 44 and an idler sprocket 50 before again passing around itsreceiving sprocket 42. The lower belt 40 passes through a similar coursebut passes around a receiving sprocket 52 adjacent the deliveringsprocket 46 of the upper belt 38, then about a larger intermediatesprocket 54 (FIG. 3) and a delivering sprocket 56 adjacent the receivingsprocket 42 of the upper belt 38, then about an idler sprocket 58 (FIG.3) and again the intermediate sprocket 54 before passing about a drivensprocket 60 (FIG. 3) and back to its receiving sprocket 52. Thesesprockets are suitable journaled on shafts with the upper shafts 62fixed to the lower plate 32. As shown at the right end of FIGS. 3 and 4,the upper and lower drive sprockets 46 and 60 are integral with theupper and lower driven pulleys 66 and 68, respectively, and may bedriven in any suitable manner as by upper and lower drive belts 70 and72, respectively. Thus, with the belts riding on the delivery andreceiving sprockets during transfer, and with the intermediate pulleyfurther stabilizing the belts, vibration and uncontrolled movement ofthe guides is effectively eliminated.

The yarn traversing guides 26 are fixedly secured to the belts 38 and40. Each belt has at least two equally spaced guides 26 which extendinto parallel slots 74 (FIGS. 3 and 5) of a yarn regulator and guideassembly 76 (FIGS. 3-5). This assembly provides the yarn traversal path24 as it guides the yarn parallel to the package P and retardsdeflection to the package of any undesirable springing or accelerationof the yarn during transfer between the guides 26 at the reversal ends22. The assembly 76 has three parallel bars 78 spaced apart to form theslots 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner faces 80 of thesebars 78 and longitudinally straight and smooth with rounded edges. Asillustrated, the inner faces 80 are convex and they may have flats orother configurations and be associated aligned or offset (with thestrand passing between opposed faces of the bars) as shown in theabovementioned Richter applications, or they may be arranged in othersuitable manners and with other suitable configurations for providingsufficient frictional engagement with the yarn Y without damaging theyarn (depending on the particular yarn and its finish) to retardmovement of the yarn along the bars 78 and thus reduce the effect of anyacceleration or springing of the yarn during transfer at the reversalends 22. High friction surfaces may be highly polished chrome platedsurfaces and may be differentiated from low friction surfaces which maybe a furnished chrome plated surface resulting in less area contact withthe advancing yarn as is generally provided the roller bail 18 toprevent scuffing of the yarn. The bars 78 are fixed at either end toplates 82 removably and adjustably secured to ears 84 on the lower andupper plates 32 and 34 as by nuts 86 and bolts 88 extending throughhorizontally elongated slots 90 in the ears 84. Thus, the assembly maybe changed for an assembly having different friction characteristics ordifferent arrangement of the bars, and may be adjusted toward or awayfrom the guides for optimum performance with difierent deniers or typesof yarn Y. As may be seen in FIG. 5, the path of the advancing yarnholds it against the faces of the bars 78.

As a guide 26, for example on the upper belt 38, leaves its receivingsprocket 42 it moves toward the bars 78 up to the midpoint of the largeintermediate sprocket 44 and thereafter moves away from the bars as itmoves toward its delivering sprocket 46. Thus, the yarn propellingsurface 92 (FIGS. 6-9) of the guide 26 moves normal to the bars 78 andback and forth across the yarn Y as this surface moves the yarn alongthe traversal path 24 (that is bar faces 80), thus effectivelypreventing grooving of the surface 92.

With reference to FIGS. 3-9, a guide 26 receiving the yarn Y is nowreferred to as a receiving guide 26R" and a guide delivering the yarn Yis now referred to as a delivering guide 26D." As the yarn Y istraversed from right to left in FIGS. 3 and 4, it is moved along thebars 78 by a delivering guide 26D on the lower belt 40. This guide 26Ddelivers the advancing yarn Y to a receiving guide 26R on the upper belt38 at the left-hand reversal end 22. As the receiving guide on the upperbelt is moved to the right it becomes the delivering guide and deliversthe advancing yarn Y to the other lower belt receiving guide 26R at theopposite (right-hand) reversal end.

In order to form a suitable package P, uniformly controlled movement ofthe yarn is maintained during transfer at the reversal ends 22. With theyarn moving in the straight traversal path 24 along the faces 80 of thebars 78, it is carried by the delivering guide 26D on a straight portion96 of the propelling surface 92, and this straight portion is generallyperpendicular to the bars 78 and the traversal path 24. It is thisstraight portion 96 of the surface 92 which rides to and fro across theyarn as the intermediate sprockets move the belts and their guides firsttoward and then away from the traversal path 24 of the yarn. As thelower belt 40 just starts to bend about its delivering sprocket 56, asmay best be seen in FIG. 6, the delivering guide 26D has moved inwardlyfrom the traversal path 24 and the yarn Y is moving onto a curved freeend portion 98 of the surface 92. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, asthe lower belt 40 bends about its delivering sprocket 58 the yarn Yrides across the free end portion 98 of surface 92 of the deliveringguide 260 and this portion 98 is curved opposite the direction ofmovement of the guide 26 and, more particularly, curved'so as tomaintain substantially constant velocity of the strand of yarn. But forthis curved free end portion 98 of the surface 92, as the guide movedalong the curvature of its delivering sprocket 58 the velocity of theyarn along the traversal path 24 would be increased thus reducing thequantity of yarn deposited on the end portion of the package P, and thiswould result in a groove about the cylindrical end of the package.

As the receiving guide 26R on the upper belt 38 and the delivering guide26D pass each other (FIG. 9), the strand of yarn Y passes across the tipof the curved free end portion 98 of the propelling surface 92 of thedelivering guide 26D and against the propelling surface 92 of thereceiving guide 26R. This coaction of the delivering and receivingguides is provided by offsetting the axes of the adjacent deliveringsprocket and receiving sprocket. More particularly, the receivingsprocket i2 is offset outwardly from the axis of the delivering sprocketM in the direction of the traversal path 24! of the yarn, and inwardlyin a direction toward the path 2 1. Thus, with reference to FIGS. 5 and9 (which show the guides 245D and 2t5R in the same position), when thedelivering and receiving guides pass each other the straight surface 96of the receiving guide 26R extends outwardly across the traversal path2d of the yarn to receive the yarn, and the yarn siips off of the tip ofthe free end portion 9% of the delivering guide 26D. At the moment oftransfer, momentum of the yarn tends to maintain its direction ofmovement but, with reference to FIG. 2, at this time the yarn isfollowing the lineal path shown at the left side of FIG. 2 and alsotends to spring to the right when it is released from the deliveringguide 26D. Such springing may be a problem at the lower traversingspeeds.

When starting to wind a new package the relatively high traversing speedis generally sufficient so that the momentum of the yarn and speed ofthe receiving guide 26R coact to maintain the yarn against the receivingguide propelling surface 92. The critical factor at higher speedoperation is to avoid accelerating the strand as it is leaving thedelivering guide 25D and this is accomplished by the previouslydiscussed curvature of the free end of the delivering guide surface 92.

However, at slower traversing speed the momentum of the yarn is less butthe yarn maintains its tendency to spring along its traversal path inthe direction of movement ofthe receiving guide 26R and away from thereceiving guide propelling surface 92. If permitted, such uncontrolledmovement of the strand would result in grooving of the package becauseof the momentary higher than normal traversing velocity of the strandresulting from such springing. To control the strand and to retard thisvelocity surge caused by the springing effect of the strand duringtransfer at slower traversing speeds, an abutment ltll], generallyparallel to the straight portion 96, is pro vided on the guide and thisabutment provides a slot 101 parallel with and leading the propellingsurface 92 in the direction of movement of the guide. As the moment oftransfer of the yarn approaches, the receiving guide 26R is moving aboutits receiving sprocket (412 or 52) and toward the yarn traversal path24. The receiving guide abutment we passes (and may slightly tip) theyarn (FIG. 9) and then moves across the traversal path 24 to stop theyarn from free springing along the traversal path in the direction ofmovement of the receiving guide 26R. Angulation of the receiving guide26R relative to the traversal path 24 results in some acceleration ofthe yarn as the guide is moving to a perpendicular position along thepath, and this has been found to effectively prevent high ends" on thepackage P. High ends result from reversal of the strand of yarn at theends of the package, since more yarn is deposited at the ends thanelsewhere, as is understood in the art. Such acceleration of the yarn bya receiv ing guide is reflected in the package only at the very portionin which the direction of the yarn undergoes reversal and does notresult in grooving. To further control movement of the yarn, the bars 78retard movement of the yarn along the traversal path 24 and thereforedeflection of the springing effect to the package P.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 10 and issubstantially the same as the previously described embodiment (withsimilar parts having the same reference number as before, but primed)other than that the upper guides 102 and the lower guides 104 arevertically disposed relative to each other as closely as is practicableand are preferably substantially contiguous, and subject only toproduction limitations may slide over each other as they pass. To thisend they may be suitably coated and have their leading edges beveled tosmooth engagement with each other. However, if desired, a separatingstrip (not shown) may be provided between the upper and lower guides andthis strip may be coated with a low friction substance such as Teflon.Two friction bars 111th provide one slot 10% which, as shown in FIG. 10,is preferably as narrow as possible. Having the guides 102 and 10 3 asclose together as possible and in such a narrow slot 111b, results inbetter control of the yarn during transfer. First of all, in theembodiment of FIG. 10, there are shorter free spans of yarn between thetwo guides 102 and 1M and between the guides and the bars 106, than inthe embodiment of FIG. d. Secondly, in the mechanism shown in FIG. 5,when the yarn is carried by the lower guide (as 26D) during transfer,rather than the upper guide (as 26R), there is additional frictionaldrag of the middle bar 78 and a longer span of yarn to the upper bar 78,resulting in different characteristics of the opposite ends of thepackage In the embodiment shown in MG. 10, the distances from the upperand lower guides 102 and 104 to the upper bar 1116 are substantially thesame, as are the resultant opposite ends of the package P.

Also revealed in FIGS. 10 and 11 is one mode of attaching the yarnengaging guide element 261), 26R to the timing belts. These belts 38',40' are provided on their inner faces with regularly spaced teethdesignated 110, 111 for engaging with corresponding notches 112 on thebelt-engaging sprockets 42, 414, as, 48, 50 (see FIG. 4). It is, ofcourse, necessary that the guide elements be firmly and securelyattached to the belts since detachment of an element during operation atthe high speeds contemplated by the invention would be extremelyhazardous to personnel. Inasmuch as appreciable weakening of any sectionof the belt to receive a supporting clamp for the element, which wouldbe required ifa clamp was located in an area between two belt teeth, isprecluded for the same reason,

the preferred mode of attaching each. of the elements according to theinvention is to remove one of the teeth of the belt, as by grinding orcutting, and affix the element in the space thereby provided.

As can be seen in FIGS. 10 and till, the inner end of each guide element261), MR, i.e. adjacent the belt, is extended from the element bodygenerally in the shape of a U or a channel 120, 1121 having a widthsubstantially the same as the belt width so as to snugly receive thebelt therein, and the opposite leg 122, 123 of the channel is benttoward the element body in the manner ofa flange at 124, 125, partiallyclosing the channel opening. Cooperating with the flanged U- orchannelshaped extension is a clamping plate 126, 127 of generally L-shape in cross section, the leg 128, 129 of the 1.. extending inparallel contacting relation to the inner portion of the element bodyand the base 130, 131 seating against the outer belt surface with itsremote end engaged beneath the flanged end 124, of the extension. Aclamping screw 132, 133 penetrates an aperture formed in the base leg130, 131 of the clamping plate, passes through the belt, which may bepunched for the purpose, and engages a tapped aperture in the U-shapedextension.

The dimension of the extension 120, 121 lengthwise of the belt is notgreater than the length of a tooth of the belt in order that theclamping structure moves freely and easily within the pulley grooves.Similarly, the thickness of the extension cannot exceed that of thetooth although in most instances a considerably lesser thickness willsuffice as FIG. 10 indicates. Since the structure as described is, ineffect, wrapped essentially entirely around the belt, accidentaldetachment from the belt is virtually impossible.

A modified form of attachment for the guide elements is illustrated inFIGS. 12-14, wherein prime designations are used for the same parts. Itmay occasionally be observed that the ar rangement of FIGS. 10 and 11 issubject to some tendency to rock slightly about the locus of itsattachment, i.e. about an axis passing through the belt perpendicularlyof its lengthwise axis. While this tendency is seldom serious, extremelyprecise positioning of the guides is advantageous and reduction in thistendency is beneficial. Also, the mass of the guide element isconcentrated at one edge of the belt and at extremely high speeds,centrifugal force may tend to lift that edge away from the drivingpulleys, causing uneven belt wear. A more balanced system would avoidthis problem.

The modified arrangement is designed to counteract both of thejust-described difficulties. Thus, the free leg of the U- orchannel-shaped extension is projected above the outer face of theclamping plate 126', 127', as at 140, 141, before being bentreentrantly, as at 142, 143, to provide a slotlike recess 144, 145 (seeP16. 14). The clamping plate 126, 127' is stamped out in the shape of aT when viewed in plan and the crossbar of the T 146, 147 is bent atright angles to the plane of the leg of the T to form an upstanding earfitting into the slotlike recess 144, 145. The ends 148, 149, 150, 151ofcrossbar 146, 147 to project to each side of the channel leg 122, 123and as they lie in a plane perpendicular to the rocking axis, the guideis effectively braced against rocking movement except in concert withflexing of the belt. Moreover, the upstanding crossbar 146, 147 providesmass to at least partially balance the mass of the guide elements 26R,26D, and the thickness and weight of the clamping plate can be selectedwith this function in mind.

The clamping plate 126', 127' which forms the staff of the T forcrossbar 146, 147 is held in place by a screw 132, 133 as before.

It is not necessary to remove material from the belt to form openingsfor the clamping screws. A sharp pin forced through the belt will createa passage sufficient for penetration by the screw and the resultantcompression of the belt material around the screw shank assists inholding the screw in place.

Only one traverse belt has been included in the illustration of themodified embodiment of FIGS. 12-14, but it will be ap preciated thatwhere the belts are used in pairs, as is normally the case, the secondbelt would be similarly constructed except that it would appear as amirror image of the belt shown in the drawings. To indicate this fact,double numerical designations have been applied in these figures.

While this invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments in a particular environment, various changes may be apparentto one skilled in the art and the invention is therefore not to belimited to such embodiments or environment except as set forth in theappended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A yarn-winding machine comprising, a rotatable spindle, yarn-engagingmeans for traversing an advancing strand of yarn axially of said spindleto wind a package of yarn, and guide means for directing saidyarn-engaging means in a first path as the yarn is traversed onto afirst zone of said package, said guide means being operable to directthe yarn-engaging means in a second path diverging from said first pathas the yarn is traversed onto a second zone of said package, said firstand second paths being offset relative to the axis of said spindle.

2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said guide meansincludes rotatable means for directing the course of said yarn-engagingmeans.

3. The combination as set forth in claim 2 wherein said yarn-engagingmeans further includes endless means.

4. The combination as set forth in claim 3 wherein said endless means isdisposed to define one of said first and second paths as a path inclinedrelative to the axis of said spindle.

5. The combination as set forth in claim 3 is disposed to define both ofsaid first and second paths as inclined relative to the axis of saidspindle.

6. The combination as set forth in claim 3 wherein said endless meansinclude first and second oppositely moving spans, said yarn-engagingmeans including at least one yarn engaging member on each span.

7. The combination as set forth in claim 6 wherein said rotatable meansincludes separate first guides proximate a first end of the package forguiding an associated one of said first and second spans past said firstpackage end and said rotatable means further includes separate secondguides proximate a second end of the package for guiding an associatedone of said first and second spans past said second package end, theaxes of said first guides being offset relative to each other, and theaxes of said second guides being offset relative to each other.

8. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein the axes of therespective first guides and the respective second guides are offset fromeach other in a plane perpendicular to the package axis.

9. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein the axes of therespective first guides and the respective second guides are offset fromeach other in a plane parallel to the package 3X15.

10. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein the axes of therespective first guides and the respective second guides are offsetrelative to each other both in a plane perpendicular to the package axisand in plane parallel to the package axis.

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means providingsubstantially constant tension in said strand during traversal thereofin said first and second paths.

12. A yarn-winding machine comprising, a rotatable spindle, first meansfor traversing an advancing strand of yarn axially of said spindle in afirst direction, second means for traversing the yarn axially of saidspindle in a second direction, traversing of the yarn by said first andsecond means serving to distribute the yarn to form a yarn package,guide means operable to direct said first and second means in respectivefirst paths as the yarn is traversed onto related first zones of saidpackage and in respective second paths as the yarn is traversed ontorelated second zones of said package, at least a portion of said firstpath of said first means and at least a portion of said second path ofsaid second means being in a common zone spaced from said package andmoving in diverging paths within said zone, both of said paths beingoffset relative to the axis of said spindle.

13. The combination as set forth in claim 12 wherein said first andsecond means each comprises respective first and second endless spans. I

14. The combination as set forth in claim 13 including rotatable meansfor directing the paths of said first and second spans.

15. The combination as set forth in claim 14 wherein said rotatablemeans is operable to move said first and second spans in oppositedirections.

16. The combination as set forth in claim 13 wherein each of said firstand second spans includes at least one yarn engaging member thereon formovement therewith.

17. Strand-traversing mechanism comprising means for traversing a strandto and fro between opposite reversal ends of a strand traversal path andincluding, flexible belt means, guides carried by said belt meansoperable for receiving the strand from the oppositely moving guide atone of said reversal ends and retaining and moving the strand along saidpath toward the opposite reversal end and maintaining uniform controlledmovement of the strand proximate the reversal ends while the strand isretained by the respective guide and releasing the strand at saidopposite reversal end where a guide receives the strand, a deliveringsprocket adjacent the reversal end where a guide releases the strand, areceiving sprocket adjacent the reversal end where a guide receives thestrand, said flexible belt means carrying the guides at least partiallyabout the receiving and delivering sprockets to support the guides inabutting relationship with the sprockets during transfer of the strandat the reversal ends, each of said guides having a surface for receivingthe strand and moving the strand along said path between said reversalends, each said surface having a free end portion, said flexible beltmeans mounting said guides with said free end portions extending acrosssaid strand traversal path as a guide approaches its delivering sprocketand for movement of said free end portions across said path as therespective guides move along said path and about their deliveringsprocket for passage of the strand about said free end portions as thestrand is released from the surface, said surface having a substantiallystraight portion adjacent said free end portion for guiding the strandbetween the reversal ends, said free end portion being shaped tomaintain substantially constant velocity of the strand along the strandtraversal path as the strand moves across said free end portion when thestrand is released by the guide, and tensioning means for maintainingsaid strand constantly tensioned during transfer at said reversal ends.

is. Mechanism as set forth in claim ll'l in which each said guideincludes means for retaining the strand proximate said surface as theguide receives the strand during transfer from a delivering sprocket.

l9. Mechanism as set forth in claim lib, in which the last said meanscomprises an abutment, said abutment leading said surface.

20. Mechanism as set forth in claim 19, in which said sprocket means arepositioned for movement of said guides first toward said strandtraversal path and then away from said strand traversal path, to providesaid to and fro movement of said guides relative to said strand and toprevent uncontrolled movement of said guides intermediate said reversalends, said guides being mounted for movement to and fro across thestrand.

2ll. Mechanism as set forth in claim in which said belt means comprisesseparate belts, one for each of said guides, said belts being timingbelts and said sprockets being timing belt sprockets.

22. Mechanism as set forth in claim 17 including means for receiving theadvancing strand as it leaves the guide means and forprovidingsubstantial resistance to movement of the strand along thestrand traversal path.

23. Mechanism as set forth in claim 117 in which the oppositelytraveling guides pass each other during transfer of the strand and areas close to each other as is practicable.

24. Mechanism as set forth in claim 17 in which said tensioning means isoperable for supporting said strand on a fluid cushion.

25. Mechanism as set forth in claim 17 in which said tensioning means isoperable for preventing said fluctuations in strand tension.

26. Mechanism as set forth in claim R7 in which each said guide has asurface for receiving the strand and moving the strand along said pathbetween said reversal ends, each said surface has a free end portionshaped for the passage of the strand thereacross at substantiallyconstant velocity along said strand traversal path as the guide movesabout its delivering sprocket, and the delivering sprockets mount theassociated guides with said free end portions extending across saidstrand traversal path as the guide approaches its delivering sprocketand for movement of said free end portions across said path to releasethe strand as the guides move about their respective deliveringsprockets.

27. Mechanism as set forth in claim 26 in which said surface has asubstantially straight portion adjacent said free end portion for movingthe strand when the strand is received from a delivering guide, and eachsaid guide includes means for retaining the strand proximate saidsurface as the guide received the strand during transfer from adelivering guide, the last said means comprising an abutment, saidabutment leading said surface, and said operating means positions saidguide with said abutment spaced relative to said path to permit passageof the strand past the abutment upon release of the strand from thedelivering guide and thereafter positions said abutment across said pathto retain the strand between the abutment and the surface.

2b. Mechanism as set forth in claim 27 in which said operating meansfurther comprises second sprocket means receiving said belt meansintermediate said reversal ends and mounting said guides for movement toand fro across the strand, first toward said strand traversal path andthen away from said strand traversal path.

29. Mechanism as set forth in claim 2% in which said belt meanscomprises separate timing belts, one for each of said guide means, andsaid sprockets are timing belt sprockets.

3t). Mechanism as set forth in claim 29 including means for receivingthe advancing strand as it leaves the guides and for providingsubstantial resistance to movement of the strand along the strandtraversal path.

3i. An improved belt traverse for strand material comprising a flexibleendless belt, a strand guide element, and means for attaching said guideelement to said belt comprising a generally U-shaped channel having oneof its legs connected to said guide element to support the same, saidchannel snugly receiving the belt therein and extending around threesides of the belt, a clamping plate disposed on the fourth side of saidbelt opposite the base of said channel, and means for urging said platetoward said channel to compress said belt therebetween.

32. The belt traverse to claim 3ll wherein the other of said channellegs is provided at its end with a flange projecting toward said otherleg and said clamping plate has an edge engaged beneath said flange.

33. The belt traverse of claim 31 wherein said last-named means is ascrew adjustably connecting said plate and channel together.

34L An improved belt traverse for strand material comprising a flexibleendless belt, a strand guide element, and means for attaching said guideelement to said belt comprising cooperating clamping plates on oppositesides of said belt, said guide element being connected to one end of oneof said plates to project outwardly of the belt, and means for urgingthe two plates together.

35. The belt traverse of claim 34 wherein said belt is provided withequally spaced teeth on one side thereof, one of which teeth is removed,and the clamping plate on the corresponding side has a length andthickness not exceeding the corresponding dimensions of the tooth andoccupies the position of said tooth.

36. The belt traverse of claim 35 wherein the clamping plate connectedto said guide element extends generally at right angles to said elementand lies on the toothed side of said belt, and said other clamping platehas the end thereof opposite said guide element bent upwardly therefromgenerally parallel to the element, said upstanding end having extensionsthereon projecting to either side of the plate in the lengthwisedirection of the belt, with their inner edges engaging the belt surface,whereby the guide element is braced against independent lengthwiserocking movement.

37. The belt traverse of claim 36 wherein said first clamping plate hasan extension thereon reentrantly curved for engagement with theupstanding end of said other clamping plate.

38. The belt traverse of claim 37 wherein one end of said clamping plateis bent generally at right angles to the remainder of the plate, saidangularly bent end having ears extending outwardly on both sides of theplate lengthwise of the belt with the adjacent edges of said ears insubstantial abutment with the belt surface whereby said element isbraced against independent lengthwise rocking movement.

1. A yarn-winding machine comprising, a rotatable spindle, yarnengagingmeans for traversing an advancing strand of yarn axially of said spindleto wind a package of yarn, and guide means for directing saidyarn-engaging means in a first path as the yarn is traversed onto afirst zone of said package, said guide means being operable to directthe yarn-engaging means in a second path diverging from said first pathas the yarn is traversed onto a second zone of said package, said firstand second paths being offset relative to the axis of said spindle. 2.The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said guide meansincludes rotatable means for directing the course of said yarn-engagingmeans.
 3. The combination as set forth in claim 2 wherein saidyarn-engaging means further includes endless means.
 4. The combinationas set forth in claim 3 wherein said endless means is disposed to defineone of said first and second paths as a path inclined relative to theaxis of said spindle.
 5. The combination as set forth in claim 3 isdisposed to define both of said first and second paths as inclinedrelative to the axis of said spindle.
 6. The combination as set forth inclaim 3 wherein said endless means include first and second oppositelymoving spans, said yarn-engaging means including at least one yarnengaging member on each span.
 7. The combination as set forth in claim 6wherein said rotatable means includes separate first guides proximate afirst end of the package for guiding an associated one of said first andsecond spans past said first package end and said rotatable meansfurther includes separate second guides proximate a second end of thepackage for guiding an associated one of said first and second spanspast said second package end, the axes of said first guides being offsetrelative to each other, and the axes of said second guides being offsetrelative to each other.
 8. The combination as set forth in claim 7wherein the axes of the respective first guides and the respectivesecond guides are offset from each other in a plane perpendicular to thepackage axis.
 9. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein theaxes oF the respective first guides and the respective second guides areoffset from each other in a plane parallel to the package axis.
 10. Thecombination as set forth in claim 7 wherein the axes of the respectivefirst guides and the respective second guides are offset relative toeach other both in a plane perpendicular to the package axis and in aplane parallel to the package axis.
 11. Apparatus as set forth in claim1 including means providing substantially constant tension in saidstrand during traversal thereof in said first and second paths.
 12. Ayarn-winding machine comprising, a rotatable spindle, first means fortraversing an advancing strand of yarn axially of said spindle in afirst direction, second means for traversing the yarn axially of saidspindle in a second direction, traversing of the yarn by said first andsecond means serving to distribute the yarn to form a yarn package,guide means operable to direct said first and second means in respectivefirst paths as the yarn is traversed onto related first zones of saidpackage and in respective second paths as the yarn is traversed ontorelated second zones of said package, at least a portion of said firstpath of said first means and at least a portion of said second path ofsaid second means being in a common zone spaced from said package andmoving in diverging paths within said zone, both of said paths beingoffset relative to the axis of said spindle.
 13. The combination as setforth in claim 12 wherein said first and second means each comprisesrespective first and second endless spans.
 14. The combination as setforth in claim 13 including rotatable means for directing the paths ofsaid first and second spans.
 15. The combination as set forth in claim14 wherein said rotatable means is operable to move said first andsecond spans in opposite directions.
 16. The combination as set forth inclaim 13 wherein each of said first and second spans includes at leastone yarn engaging member thereon for movement therewith. 17.Strand-traversing mechanism comprising means for traversing a strand toand fro between opposite reversal ends of a strand traversal path andincluding, flexible belt means, guides carried by said belt meansoperable for receiving the strand from the oppositely moving guide atone of said reversal ends and retaining and moving the strand along saidpath toward the opposite reversal end and maintaining uniform controlledmovement of the strand proximate the reversal ends while the strand isretained by the respective guide and releasing the strand at saidopposite reversal end where a guide receives the strand, a deliveringsprocket adjacent the reversal end where a guide releases the strand, areceiving sprocket adjacent the reversal end where a guide receives thestrand, said flexible belt means carrying the guides at least partiallyabout the receiving and delivering sprockets to support the guides inabutting relationship with the sprockets during transfer of the strandat the reversal ends, each of said guides having a surface for receivingthe strand and moving the strand along said path between said reversalends, each said surface having a free end portion, said flexible beltmeans mounting said guides with said free end portions extending acrosssaid strand traversal path as a guide approaches its delivering sprocketand for movement of said free end portions across said path as therespective guides move along said path and about their deliveringsprocket for passage of the strand about said free end portions as thestrand is released from the surface, said surface having a substantiallystraight portion adjacent said free end portion for guiding the strandbetween the reversal ends, said free end portion being shaped tomaintain substantially constant velocity of the strand along the strandtraversal path as the strand moves across said free end portion when thestrand is released by the guide, and tensioning means for maintainingsaid strand constantly tenSioned during transfer at said reversal ends.18. Mechanism as set forth in claim 17 in which each said guide includesmeans for retaining the strand proximate said surface as the guidereceives the strand during transfer from a delivering sprocket. 19.Mechanism as set forth in claim 18, in which the last said meanscomprises an abutment, said abutment leading said surface.
 20. Mechanismas set forth in claim 19, in which said sprocket means are positionedfor movement of said guides first toward said strand traversal path andthen away from said strand traversal path, to provide said to and fromovement of said guides relative to said strand and to preventuncontrolled movement of said guides intermediate said reversal ends,said guides being mounted for movement to and fro across the strand. 21.Mechanism as set forth in claim 20 in which said belt means comprisesseparate belts, one for each of said guides, said belts being timingbelts and said sprockets being timing belt sprockets.
 22. Mechanism asset forth in claim 17 including means for receiving the advancing strandas it leaves the guide means and for providing substantial resistance tomovement of the strand along the strand traversal path.
 23. Mechanism asset forth in claim 17 in which the oppositely traveling guides pass eachother during transfer of the strand and are as close to each other as ispracticable.
 24. Mechanism as set forth in claim 17 in which saidtensioning means is operable for supporting said strand on a fluidcushion.
 25. Mechanism as set forth in claim 17 in which said tensioningmeans is operable for preventing fluctuations in strand tension. 26.Mechanism as set forth in claim 17 in which each said guide has asurface for receiving the strand and moving the strand along said pathbetween said reversal ends, each said surface has a free end portionshaped for the passage of the strand thereacross at substantiallyconstant velocity along said strand traversal path as the guide movesabout its delivering sprocket, and the delivering sprockets mount theassociated guides with said free end portions extending across saidstrand traversal path as the guide approaches its delivering sprocketand for movement of said free end portions across said path to releasethe strand as the guides move about their respective deliveringsprockets.
 27. Mechanism as set forth in claim 26 in which said surfacehas a substantially straight portion adjacent said free end portion formoving the strand when the strand is received from a delivering guide,and each said guide includes means for retaining the strand proximatesaid surface as the guide received the strand during transfer from adelivering guide, the last said means comprising an abutment, saidabutment leading said surface, and said operating means positions saidguide with said abutment spaced relative to said path to permit passageof the strand past the abutment upon release of the strand from thedelivering guide and thereafter positions said abutment across said pathto retain the strand between the abutment and the surface.
 28. Mechanismas set forth in claim 27 in which said operating means further comprisessecond sprocket means receiving said belt means intermediate saidreversal ends and mounting said guides for movement to and fro acrossthe strand, first toward said strand traversal path and then away fromsaid strand traversal path.
 29. Mechanism as set forth in claim 28 inwhich said belt means comprises separate timing belts, one for each ofsaid guide means, and said sprockets are timing belt sprockets. 30.Mechanism as set forth in claim 29 including means for receiving theadvancing strand as it leaves the guides and for providing substantialresistance to movement of the strand along the strand traversal path.31. An improved belt traverse for strand material comprising a flexibleendless belt, a strand guide element, and means for attaching said guideelement to said belt comprising a generally U-shaped channel having oneof its legs connected to said guide element to support the same, saidchannel snugly receiving the belt therein and extending around threesides of the belt, a clamping plate disposed on the fourth side of saidbelt opposite the base of said channel, and means for urging said platetoward said channel to compress said belt therebetween.
 32. The belttraverse to claim 31 wherein the other of said channel legs is providedat its end with a flange projecting toward said other leg and saidclamping plate has an edge engaged beneath said flange.
 33. The belttraverse of claim 31 wherein said last-named means is a screw adjustablyconnecting said plate and channel together.
 34. An improved belttraverse for strand material comprising a flexible endless belt, astrand guide element, and means for attaching said guide element to saidbelt comprising cooperating clamping plates on opposite sides of saidbelt, said guide element being connected to one end of one of saidplates to project outwardly of the belt, and means for urging the twoplates together.
 35. The belt traverse of claim 34 wherein said belt isprovided with equally spaced teeth on one side thereof, one of whichteeth is removed, and the clamping plate on the corresponding side has alength and thickness not exceeding the corresponding dimensions of thetooth and occupies the position of said tooth.
 36. The belt traverse ofclaim 35 wherein the clamping plate connected to said guide elementextends generally at right angles to said element and lies on thetoothed side of said belt, and said other clamping plate has the endthereof opposite said guide element bent upwardly therefrom generallyparallel to the element, said upstanding end having extensions thereonprojecting to either side of the plate in the lengthwise direction ofthe belt, with their inner edges engaging the belt surface, whereby theguide element is braced against independent lengthwise rocking movement.37. The belt traverse of claim 36 wherein said first clamping plate hasan extension thereon reentrantly curved for engagement with theupstanding end of said other clamping plate.
 38. The belt traverse ofclaim 37 wherein one end of said clamping plate is bent generally atright angles to the remainder of the plate, said angularly bent endhaving ears extending outwardly on both sides of the plate lengthwise ofthe belt with the adjacent edges of said ears in substantial abutmentwith the belt surface whereby said element is braced against independentlengthwise rocking movement.